Email Etiquette 1

I thought it might be worth visiting some email etiquette for all as the majority of the readers of this newsletter are now on email.

It is important to consider that when emailing people you are on show, whether you like it or not, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is one of my 'pet' subjects on which I speak when giving a public presentation about the Internet. I am constantly amazed at the number of people who have never thought about it, including secretaries, but once it's mentioned they say 'oh, yes, I hadn't thought about that!'

Let's face it ? many people use email at work AND at home ? but who they are does not change.It is best to type messages in full, and do not use phonetic spelling or lots of abbreviated words and half sentences. I know it is common practice on chat programs to shortcut the process, but email is quite different, and these days, generally accepted almost the same as a written letter. The reason not to type email in the shortcut form is that it can become habit-forming and not something you would want to promote to prospective clients, bosses or other business associates. It is important to remember that your 'professionalism' is on show 24 hours a day via email - a small point, but important.

Another thing ? develop a signature block and let people know who you are and what you do! I have it set as an automatic feature whenever emailing, or replying to email, and sometimes forget to delete it when emailing my parents or other family members ? but that doesn't really matter. The thing to remember is that anyone is a potential business associate and letting them know who you are and what you do helps promote your business or your industry. It is a business card that is on show all the time.

Third ? take notice of the correct spelling of people's names. I've lost count of the number of times that people have replied to an email of mine and spelt my name as either Kathy or Cathy ? it's neither. In addition, I'm sure the spelling of your own name is just as important to you and it is quickly noticed when someone spells it incorrectly.It's these little things that make the difference between an average business operator and one who does that extra something ? every little thing counts when it comes to attracting clients and associates and keeping them. Taking the time to care about these things and looking after even a client's name goes a long way to developing good business relationships.

About The Author

Kathie M. Thomas is the secretary you need when you haven't got a secretary. Heading a global team of virtual assistants and home-based secretaries, she assist businesses with their admin and internet needs; kathie@asecretary.com.au

---

The Student Who Knew Too Much

This article is for those of you who coach or... Read More

Ten Ways to Make New Years Resolutions That You Can Actually Keep!

Are you one of the millions of people who make... Read More

Top 10 Ways to Coach Yourself to Total Success!

Coaching is about being your best. It's about performance, about... Read More

Cause and Effect! Choose a Path

Three steps to your Personal Transformation:Awareness and PerceptionLaw of Cause... Read More

Can I Be My Own ADD Coach?

Quite often I am in contact with people who discuss... Read More

Could You Be A Workaholic?

If you need to put on boots and grab a... Read More

Addiction to Blame

Allen consulted with me because his wife of 18 years... Read More

THE Step to Working Smarter (Japanese Style)

Remember that Coke contest from the 80s? If you collected... Read More

Controlling Behavior, Loving Behavior

When Zack and Tiffany started counseling with me, they were... Read More

Working With Choices

Despite our skills, experience or expertise we can still make... Read More

The Difference Between Approval and Appreciation

Having worked with individuals, couples, families and business partners for... Read More

Say Adios to the Fear of Rejection!

Do you ever get an uncomfortable feeling in your stomach... Read More

So Why Are They Really Here?

It does make you wonder sometimes, doesn't it? You know... Read More

What Does It Take To Have It All In Life?

Many people have asked me why I wrote my book,... Read More

Becoming An Empowered Consumer

How many times have you said to yourself?"I just wish... Read More

Pecked to Death By Ducks

Ever been in a situation where it seems like minor... Read More

How to Get a Grip on Your Money

Most people have no idea where their money goes. They... Read More

How to Quickly and Easily Deal With Rude People

Where I live there seems to be a a growing... Read More

Purpose

Many people go through much of their lives without really... Read More

Context is King!

If you've been around the Internet for more than two... Read More

Get Out What You Put In!

During a recent coaching session with Mark, I was briefly... Read More

The Non-Conscious Mind at Work. Harness it for Your Success

Thoughts are real things. As soon as you realize how... Read More

Why Bosses Dont Get All the News

Not long ago, a friend who works in television complained... Read More

The X-factor

Would you agree that today most of us have the... Read More

How to Jump-start Your Emotional Health

You've probably heard the expression: "It's not what you're eating.... Read More